Monday, December 30, 2013

Best of 2013 | Sports

"Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during his final home game after defeating the the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 6, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland."

It's that time of the year when photographers look back and reflect on the year.

In
2013, between numerous editors and myself, we transmitted somewhere in
the range of 6,000 edited images to a wide range of clients. While all
the photographs are meaningful in their own right, combing through these
frames brings back the high, lows moments, as well as, favorite images
of the year.

Being a freelance photographer either
means: lots of variety or lots of repetition. While neither are
negative, it's interesting to see what a majority of your work revolves
around. Each year is different - some are news heavy - and others are
strictly focused on sports.

I am versatile photographer
and get contacted by a range of clients year-round. Any typical year, I
am shooting: news, sports, features, portraits, and everything
in-between.

But in 2013, it was by far one of the heaviest
sports years I've ever had. Of the games and events I documented, a
large amount of them were of the same teams at the same venues and for the same client: Getty Images.

From the
Baltimore Ravens on the field, to the Baltimore Orioles on the diamond,
and drivers of NASCAR on the circuit - it was something I wasn't quite used to in terms of repetition since moving back east.

It
was a challenge to see these athletes, venues in a different light each
and every week that was very beneficial for all involved. It made me think more and it really forced me to think
outside of the box.

Once again, I am grateful for my
editors, teammates, and both new, and return, clients for trusting me to
visually document the world for them. Without them, I couldn't be doing what I love most in this world. Thanks to my fellow photographers
and competitors for always being inspirational and sharing good times,
too - especially in Baltimore.

I cannot thank all of the aforementioned enough - I'm grateful for every opportunity.

As always, I'm excited and looking forward to another full-year of health,
happiness and shooting in 2014 - and wish you all the same.